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Police condemn pitch invasion

A pitch invasion at the end of a game between Preston North End and Blackpool that led to a football steward being trampled by a police horse on Monday, has been labelled "completely unacceptable" by police, who have vowed to prosecute troublemakers.

Steward trampled by horse after Preston-Blackpool tie

A football steward appeared to be trampled by a police horse following a pitch invasion at the end of the Capital One Cup game between Preston North End and Blackpool tonight.

Police officers and stewards on the Deepdale pitch at the close of play. Credit: ITV News/Tom Calverley

The steward, who was wearing a hi-vis jacket, was on the Deepdale pitch helping clear fans after the hosts' late winner prompted scores of supporters to run from the stands to congratulate the players.

But one steward appeared to be struck by a police horse as it cantered across the pitch, while another horse - also helping with crowd dispersal - seemed to clip the steward as he lay on the ground.

Tom Clarke headed the only goal as the League One side defeated Lancashire rivals Blackpool.